The National Space Society announced that it had delivered 1700
letters of support for the new vision for space exploration from
its members to the office of Senator Stevens.

"The new future for NASA is the right direction for
space exploration," said George Whitesides, Executive Director of
NSS. "We call on Congressional leaders like Senator Stevens to
provide the full funding necessary to enable the agency to move in
this exciting new direction."

The letters were collected over the past month, and come from
members in all 50 states. They were addressed to Senator Stevens,
who as Chairman of the Appropriations Committee will play a key
role in determining NASA's budget for 2005.

"NSS members feel strongly that Congress must support
this new direction now," continued Whitesides. "These letters are
another sign that Americans across the country want an ambitious
space program that moves humans beyond low earth orbit. From
sending astronauts back to the Moon and on to Mars, to the
Centennial Challenge prize program - the new future of space is
filled with daring programs that will involve a broad range of
companies and leaders. We urge Congress to enable the US and NASA
to move into this new future."

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About the National Space Society:
The National Space Society (NSS) is an independent, grassroots
organization dedicated to the creation of a spacefaring
civilization. Founded in 1974, NSS is widely acknowledged as the
preeminent citizen's voice on space. NSS counts thousands of
members and over 50 chapters in the United States and around the
world. The society also publishes Ad Astra magazine, an
award-winning periodical chronicling the most important
developments in space. For more information about NSS, and how to
join or donate, visit: http://www.nss.org